right hip pain while driving

[StraightOuttaCanadaEh]

Okay so like 10 minutes into my drive, I start getting pain in my right hip that shoots down to my knee. I'm 32 so I'm pretty sure it's not OA. I noticed that the way I sit is kind of with my pelvis rotated slightly inward, which puts pressure onto my right hip, but it's the position I assume naturally to achieve a proper right foot position. What I'm trying to find out is if it's 1. Position of the pedals. 2. Just the way I sit. 3. Lack of support from the seat.

Has anyone encountered this issue before? Really takes away from the enjoyment of driving cause now I spend the whole time shifting around, adjusting the recline position, distance to the pedals, but nothing seems to be working. If I put my leg/foot in a position where the pain goes away, it causes the foot-pedal connection to feel awkward. Would appreciate any useful input. Thanks

[JD001]

I think it's the way you are sitting. Do you drive with both hands on the wheel or rest your elbow (door or centre console) as this can have an influence on your back/hip/knee relationship?

[StraightOuttaCanadaEh]

Originally Posted by JD001

I think it's the way you are sitting. Do you drive with both hands on the wheel or rest your elbow (door or centre console) as this can have an influence on your back/hip/knee relationship?

I rest my elbow. You think I should have both hands on the wheel?

Also I can't figure out where my heel should be, as this seems to make a big difference as well. Do you rest it between the brake and throttle or directly in front of one of them?

[weederr33]

Sounds like you're putting tension on that sciatic nerve from improper posture. I'd advise sitting more straight without tilting your pelvis. You can get into a proper driving position without unnatural or lazy hip rotation.

If you find its a common occurrence even after fixing your posture, I'd suggest taking a closer look at your muscles. Haha

[StraightOuttaCanadaEh]

Originally Posted by weederr33

Sounds like you're putting tension on that sciatic nerve from improper posture. I'd advise sitting more straight without tilting your pelvis. You can get into a proper driving position without unnatural or lazy hip rotation.

If you find its a common occurrence even after fixing your posture, I'd suggest taking a closer look at your muscles. Haha

No I've had sciatic pain before from sitting on my wallet too much and I know what that feels like, and this isn't it. This feels like tension on the lateral tensor muscle at the hip. It connects to the right side of the knee and that's where I feel the pain as well. And the position of the hip, like I said, is dictated by my right foot. It just feels most natural to sit this way and maintain equal distance to the gas and brake

[JD001]

Originally Posted by StraightOuttaCanadaEh

I rest my elbow. You think I should have both hands on the wheel?

Also I can't figure out where my heel should be, as this seems to make a big difference as well. Do you rest it between the brake and throttle or directly in front of one of them?

Short answer: Yes. Bad posture when driving will screw with your back and hip.


Your clutch foot can be rested on the rest when not changing gears. Your throttle foot will shuffle between the gas and brake pedal. The movement between the throttle and brake should be an easy rotation.

[StraightOuttaCanadaEh]

Originally Posted by JD001

Short answer: Yes. Bad posture when driving will screw with your back and hip.


Your clutch foot can be rested on the rest when not changing gears. Your throttle foot will shuffle between the gas and brake pedal. The movement between the throttle and brake should be an easy rotation.

Seems to be what I'm doing. I've been doing some low and heavy squats at the gym, maybe that stirred the hornets nest a bit. Thanks for your replies

[mrspindlelegs]

Do you drive with your wallet in your back pocket? If yes, is it the right pocket? I ran into that problem and taking the wallet out of my right back pocket helped a lot with reducing discomfort in the right hip.

[JD001]

Oh, one more thing: reduce the size of your wallet.. spend some cash to get into a reasonable size/weight and relocate to one of your front pockets.

[weederr33]

Originally Posted by StraightOuttaCanadaEh

No I've had sciatic pain before from sitting on my wallet too much and I know what that feels like, and this isn't it. This feels like tension on the lateral tensor muscle at the hip. It connects to the right side of the knee and that's where I feel the pain as well. And the position of the hip, like I said, is dictated by my right foot. It just feels most natural to sit this way and maintain equal distance to the gas and brake

Ah well then posture has to be it. And if you're hitting them gym that could exacerbate it. Especially if you're not stretching or foam rolling.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by StraightOuttaCanadaEh

Okay so like 10 minutes into my drive, I start getting pain in my right hip that shoots down to my knee. I'm 32 so I'm pretty sure it's not OA. I noticed that the way I sit is kind of with my pelvis rotated slightly inward, which puts pressure onto my right hip, but it's the position I assume naturally to achieve a proper right foot position. What I'm trying to find out is if it's 1. Position of the pedals. 2. Just the way I sit. 3. Lack of support from the seat.

Has anyone encountered this issue before? Really takes away from the enjoyment of driving cause now I spend the whole time shifting around, adjusting the recline position, distance to the pedals, but nothing seems to be working. If I put my leg/foot in a position where the pain goes away, it causes the foot-pedal connection to feel awkward. Would appreciate any useful input. Thanks

Now, I wouldn't be too sure of that .........

I have a couple of quick, inexpensive and easy things for you to try.

* cut a seat pad (just to fit the center bottom section) out of high density foam (like back packers sleep on) and place it on the seat. The cushioning just may keep your butt bone from pushing on that nerve.

* get an inexpensive seat wedge and cut it in half (long ways) and place it between the small of your back and the seat. This will shift your back slightly and maybe relieve the pressure on the troubled nerve.


humfrz

[StraightOuttaCanadaEh]

Originally Posted by mrspindlelegs

Do you drive with your wallet in your back pocket? If yes, is it the right pocket? I ran into that problem and taking the wallet out of my right back pocket helped a lot with reducing discomfort in the right hip.

Nope my wallet is in the cupholder. Never on me

[StraightOuttaCanadaEh]

Originally Posted by humfrz

Now, I wouldn't be too sure of that .........

I have a couple of quick, inexpensive and easy things for you to try.

* cut a seat pad (just to fit the center bottom section) out of high density foam (like back packers sleep on) and place it on the seat. The cushioning just may keep your butt bone from pushing on that nerve.

* get an inexpensive seat wedge and cut it in half (long ways) and place it between the small of your back and the seat. This will shift your back slightly and maybe relieve the pressure on the troubled nerve.


humfrz

I had a feeling I would get a comment about OA from you! Haha. I'll try the seat foam thing. Thank you

[weederr33]

Originally Posted by humfrz

Now, I wouldn't be too sure of that .........

I have a couple of quick, inexpensive and easy things for you to try.

* cut a seat pad (just to fit the center bottom section) out of high density foam (like back packers sleep on) and place it on the seat. The cushioning just may keep your butt bone from pushing on that nerve.

* get an inexpensive seat wedge and cut it in half (long ways) and place it between the small of your back and the seat. This will shift your back slightly and maybe relieve the pressure on the troubled nerve.


humfrz

As a strength coach and personal trainer, I'd suggest this too! Or building more butt mass